Conforto will play his first game for the Mets this afternoon since August 24th, when he dislocated his left shoulder in what was a horrific moment for the young stud.

The Mets improved to an NL East-leading 5-1, while the two-time reigning division champion Nationals have lost three in a row after a 4-0 start under rookie manager Dave Martinez. After walking Bryce Harper to fill the bags, deGrom got Ryan Zimmerman to fly out to shallow right and Howie Kendrick to line out to shortstop, before Trea Turner looked at a 94 miles per hour fastball for strike three. "I'll take our outfield over most, that's for sure".

Stephen Strasburg leaves the mound after striking out two in the top of the first inning.

But Cespedes' golf shot into the left-center seats for a solo blast in the fourth was more majestic. "I said, 'You are going to hit a homer to left field.' I know Michael".

"As a competitor you want to go up against the best", Conforto said. "But this time, I didn't".

With the return of the Mets' wonder-boy, things only continue to look up for this team in what feels to be a completely different look for a squad that has not changed much over the past few seasons.

In a corresponding move, the Mets option infielder Phillip Evans to Triple-A Las Vegas to create a roster spot for Conforto.

Nationals left fielder Adam Eaton doubled in the first, then walked in his second plate appearance - scoring both times - before being replaced after the fifth inning by Brian Goodwin.

The Washington Nationals locked up one of their impending free agents Thursday, agreeing to a two-year extension with general manager and president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo. The weather could be a problem, though: The forecast calls for snow - yes, snow, on April 7.